Neat toy but lacking several security features
Written: Dec 29 '04 (Updated Dec 29 '04)
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Pros: Easy to setup, eliminates remembering passwords to websites.
Cons: Immature software, can't login to Windows if on domain.
The Bottom Line: Useful to for eliminating passwords to websites you frequently visit but doesn't eliminate all passwords. Recommended for home users, as security is not industrial strength.
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| mhoner's Full Review: DigitalPersona Fingerprint Scanner - Fingerprint S... |
I saw the Microsoft Fingerprint Reader on Amazon.com and put it on my Christmas wish list. After receiving the unit as a gift I am a little disappointed. The advertisement on Amazon listed this as an "Easy and convenient password replacement". In reality the unit has some limitations and is not a complete replacement for all of your passwords.
(You will not be able to use fingerprint authentication if your computer is part of a company "domain".) After reviewing the fine print I noticed the following text:
"NOTE: The Fingerprint Reader should not be used for protecting sensitive data such as financial information or for accessing corporate networks. We continue to recommend that you use a strong password for these types of activities."
It would have been nice if there was a warning but users were allowed to override the warning and login using fingerprint authentication.
It seems like this product was pushed into production early to catch the holiday shopping season even though it is not ready for prime time. Searching the Microsoft Knowledge Base I discovered several bugs caused by the fingerprint reader software. Many users have reported problems with unlocking their screen saver, and evidently this is a known bug. Make sure to install Windows XP Service Pack 2 before installing the fingerprint reader or you will run into some fairly bad problems.
Overall the device works very well and allows for quick authentication to websites and applications using your fingerprint to login. Just based on the fact that you can store passwords to all of your favorite websites and login with your fingerpint makes the device a good purchase for the price.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 50
Interface: USB
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Epinions.com ID:
mhoner
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Reviews written: 6
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